The smart-chip identity card, known as the MyKad, could soon replace the passport as a valid travel document for those heading to neighbouring Singapore, a report said today.

The MyKad is being considered as a means to facilitate travel for locals, the Star newspaper said, quoting sources as saying that restricted passports currently used specifically for travel between the two countries would not be issued or renewed after Dec 31 this year.

However, restricted passport users who have just renewed their documents would be able to use them for travel to Singapore until their expiry date, and those with international passports could continue to use them to travel to the city-state.

When contacted, Deputy Home Minister Chor Chee-heung said the MyKad could be used as a replacement document provided Singapore agreed to the proposal, the daily said.

"With the emphasis on security, the government encourages the use of MyKad or other applications to keep up with the latest technology," Chor was quoted as saying.

Singaporea's assistance

Facilities to use the MyKad were already in place at entry and exit points including Kuala Lumpur International Airport, he added.

"We need the agreement and assistance from our counterparts in Singapore before we can implement this change," he said.

He declined to provide more details, but said an official announcement would be made by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi soon.

The MyKad, enhanced with a smart-chip, is used as an identification card and driving licence and contains the holder's personal details such as international passport information, medical records and bank accounts.

Some 200,000 Malaysians working or studying in Singapore hold restricted passports for travel to the city-state, while more than 600,000 Malaysians hold the MyKad, it said. -AFP